BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga recently issued a public advisory on the common diseases and other health risks the public may acquire during summer.
DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna said they expect the rise of skin disease (sakit sa balat), sun burn, flu, rabies, stomach ailments, and sore eyes. Llacuna said these six common summer diseases are noted to affect one’s health.
Skin diseases, Llacuna said, could happen when swimming in dirty water or public unmaintained swimming pools. “Take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and avoid urinating it. Children should not be left alone in the pool so as to avoid danger in swimming,” he said.
Llacuna said sun burn can be prevented by limiting outdoor activities. “Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,” he said. The use of sunscreen before going outdoors is also greatly encouraged. “Avoid heat stroke by drinking 8-12 glasses of water per day,” he added.
Flu symptoms such as colds and cough can also be prevented if one will increase oral fluids for hydration, the DOH director said. “Exercise proper cough etiquette. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins,” said Llacuna.
The public is also warned against rabies infections from dog or cat bites for these are potentially fatal diseases.
“Vomiting and diarrhea follows consumption of contaminated food and drinks. Check for food labels and integrity of processed foods to avoid stomach ailments,” Llacuna said.
He also encouraged the public to be wary against sore eyes or conjunctivitis. “Proper handwashing is very important to prevent it from spreading. We highly advise to consult a doctor for proper evaluation,” he said. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)
